HK judiciary announces more transparency measures for courts

HONG KONG - The judiciary on Thursday announced additional transparency measures to enhance public understanding of court decisions as well as complaints against judicial conduct.

In a statement issued on Thursday morning, the government said that, starting this month, summaries of selected decisions in the District Court and the Magistrates' Courts which may attract great public attention will be prepared and uploaded to the judiciary website as far as practicable.

Currently, in accordance with the principle of open justice, all court hearings, save for some very limited exceptions such as those involving children, are open to the public. Judgments and reasons for verdicts and sentencing for the District Court and higher courts are available on the judiciary website.

Separately, starting from July, where there have been a large number of identical or similar complaints on judicial conduct in relation to any case, the gist of the complaints, investigation outcome and underlying considerations will be posted online.

An investigation into the first batch of complaints has been completed and relevant information has been posted on the webpage.

The judiciary said that, in line with the cardinal principle of judicial independence, it cannot and will not handle complaints against judicial or statutory decisions, which should be dealt with via appeal, review or related judicial proceeding.

The additional transparency measures were implemented after a recent public outcry over rulings by a magistrate at the Eastern Court in cases relating to the anti-government protests.

The magistrate was made temporary deputy registrar at the High Court but the judiciary dismissed claims that the magistrate was transferred because of the complaints against him.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor last month stressed that the independence of the city's judiciary remains intact.

Hong Kong's political system, its constitutional order as well as its judicial independence are free from any interference, Lam said.

A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative (HKSAR) government also said that the Basic Law clearly states that the HKSAR enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and that the common law system shall be maintained.

"This is our unique strength and advantage and is often cited by international business as a major factor for their continued presence and success in Hong Kong. Nobody should doubt the HKSAR government's commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence," the spokesman said.